Fired Cannes sidebar topper fights for job

Macia sez decision made 'with no justification'

PARIS — Marie-Pierre Macia, ousted managing director of the Cannes Film Festival’s Directors Fortnight, met with the French Cultural Ministry and the Centre National de la Cinematographie Friday to fight for her post.

The contract had been terminated by the Societe des realisateurs de films (SRF), the French directors’ group that runs the sidebar.

According to a Fortnight source, Macia was broadsided Wednesday by the decision, which was handed to her “with no justification.”

Insiders cite a clash between Macia, who has run the sidebar for the past four years, and SRF topper helmer Pascal Thomas.

‘Evolution’ process

The SRF’s official line is that the decision was made to reflect the “evolution of the Festival and cinema around the world.”

No replacement has been named.

Move is seen as an attempt to return to the edginess previously associated with Fortnight films and to the sidebar’s emphasis on directors.